APA Dictionary of Psychology

screening

Updated on 11/15/2023

a procedure or program to detect early signs of or risk for a disease in an individual, group, or population. Individuals at increased hereditary risk of developing a disease are advised to follow regular screening plans. See also screening test.
the initial evaluation of a patient to determine their suitability for psychological or medical treatment generally, a specific treatment approach, or referral to a treatment facility. This evaluation is made on the basis of medical or psychological history, mental status examination, diagnostic formulation, or some combination of these.
the process of selecting items for a psychological test.
the process of determining, through a preliminary test, whether an individual is suitable for some purpose or task. See also selection test.

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